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Stewards 

There are three clear aspects of stewardship: 

1. Oversees what belongs to another. 
2. Carries authority to manage what has been entrusted. 
3. Is responsible—he or she will give an account to the owner.

With this in mind, Paul wrote that he was to be considered a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1). One translation says he was “put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries.” One of the gifts on Paul’s life was revelation; to communicate mysteries—hidden truths that had not yet been revealed. Therefore, the exact stewardship he refers to is not managing money, time, or resources (all valid stewardships), but rather managing the gift on his life. 

To show the importance of your gifts, let’s use Paul’s attitude as a template. He regarded his stewardship very seriously. He writes:

If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.” (1 Corinthians 9:16–17 NKJV)

Immediately, my attention is captured by the words “woe is me.” These are strong words! Each occurrence of this word in the New Testament implies a very serious and terrifying judgment that awaits those it’s ascribed to. Paul knew that God had entrusted something of great value to him. 

Here is the sobering truth: If he didn’t administer it properly, then others would not experience the benefit, and even suffer the loss, of what God intended for them to receive. Paul knew the gift wasn’t given for him; it was given to others, through him. In other words, he carried what God wanted others to have—thus, the reason for the severity behind declaring “woe” onto himself for neglecting his stewardship. 

Let’s revert to you and me. Like Paul, we shouldn’t devalue the gift God has placed on us. The gifts of God on your life are not for you; they are for others to benefit through you. Just like the gift of leading, writing, and speaking is not for me, but for you and those I lead. We can use the gift on our life well or misuse it—the choice is ours.